how to write a good essay for college placement test

College Placement Test

Free Math and English Online Practice Exams

English Placement Test Essay Examples

You will find English placement test essay examples for your college entrance exam on this page.

In the writing section of the test, you will see literary nonfiction, essays, and informational passages.

The passages are around 300 words in length and there are five questions on each one.

Our free study guide will help you learn all of the grammar rules that are covered on the test.

Here is a free sample from our writing test PDF download :

Instructions: Read the first of our English placement test essay examples below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) The Department of Education in our state recently stated that more discipline is needed in the classroom. (2) Can you believe it? (3) It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years. (4) I don’t generally put much stock in the Department of Education’s opinions. (5) For several years, I’ve seen bad behavior in some schools and nothing serious being done about it. (6) In the meantime, the Department of Education has insinuated through its silence that everything was just great. (7) Evidently, however, now it’s not.

(8) Consider for instance, one of the children in my gifted class. (9) Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go. (10) He wants to stay where there are very high standards of behavior and work. (11) He’s done so well. (12) His parents can’t believe the high level he achieves. (13) How great is that?

1. What is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3, reproduced below?

It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. employees C. employees’ D. employees’s

2. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 7, reproduced below?

Evidently, however, now it’s not.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Remove the comma after “Evidently” C. Remove the comma after “however” D. Delete “Evidently,” from the beginning of the sentence

3. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 9, reproduced below?

Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Place a period after “school” and begin a new sentence with “Understandably,” C. Use a dash after “school” instead of a comma D. Use a colon after “school” instead of a comma

English Placement Test Essay Examples – Answers

1. The correct answer is B. The word “employees” forms the grammatical subject of the sentence. The writer is speaking about all of the workers at the Department of Education, so we need to use the plural form. An apostrophe is not required since we do not need the possessive form.

2. The correct answer is A. The sentence is best as it is written in the original essay. A comma needs to be placed after “evidently” as it is a transition word used at the beginning of the sentence. A comma also needs to be used after “however, because it is used within the sentence. The use of both words in this sentence serves as a logical connector to the previous argument that the writer is making.

3. The correct answer is B. We have two complete sentences here since each has its own grammatical subject and verb. So, a period should be used after “school” and a new sentence should be made starting with the next word.

Online Placement Test Sample

More English Test Practice

Sentence Skills

Sentence Completion

Sentence Relationships

Table of Contents

• November 18, 2023

Demystifying College Placement Tests – Your Path to Academic Success

The excitement and nerves that come with embarking on your college journey are impeccable. It’s a new beginning and a new experience. I remember the anticipation and uncertainty that I felt when I was about to resume college.

Trust me, just like you, I worked so hard to acquire a good score in the entrance exam. However, there were other vital exams waiting for me—college placement tests.

A test that determines your placement in certain coursework, particularly in Mathematics and English. It is crucial in your college career because it helps you realize your ability.

In this brief guide, I will walk you through each stage of college placement tests, from the test concept to interpreting your scores.

Therefore, hang on, and let’s jump right into it.

Understanding College Placement Tests

College placement tests are standardized tests administered to incoming students to assess their academic prowess and appropriately enroll them in courses. The tests typically cover subjects such as English, Reading, Mathematics, and Foreign languages. Students are placed in courses that are challenging but achievable and to help them succeed in college.

A college placement test helps colleges to know you better academically, helping them understand where you shine and where you might need a little extra support. 

This assessment process assists them to place you in the right courses according to your academic skills. 

Typically, placement tests cover subjects, such as Mathematics, English,  Reading, Writing, and Foreign languages. These tests are often taken to see where you’re most comfortable and where you might struggle.

Let me explain in detail. 

What is Placement Testing?

Placement testing is a process of evaluating your skills to place you in a course that matches your proficiency level. 

According to a survey , approximately 90 percent of community college students sit for placement tests before registering for classes. Therefore, don’t be scared because you are not alone.

In most cases, two-year colleges and even four-year colleges provide open and non-competitive admissions. Consequently, a noticeable number of students who lack basic college-level academic qualifications get admitted.

Therefore, many colleges ask their prospective students to take a placement test so that they can evaluate them according to their abilities and enroll them in a certain course.

Unlike other traditional tests, placement tests have no “pass” or “fail. ” Rather, students with lower scores are required to take developmental or remedial courses to enhance certain academic skills.

Types of Placement Tests

There are a number of placement tests available for the students depending on the colleges. However, most colleges prefer to assess their students using these seven placement tests

• Mathematics
• Foreign languages
• Computer and Internet technologies
• Health and natural sciences

Most community and four-year colleges often require the initial five of these tests.

However, to make the whole testing process efficient for the students, the colleges have generated an integrated computer-based system named the ACCUPLACER test .

What is an ACCUPLACER and how does it work?

ACCUPLACER is a group of tests that colleges administer to assess how well students understand Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

ACCUPLACER is a testing system that includes a number of tests on subjects, such as Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, to evaluate the incoming students’ capabilities. It helps colleges to place every student in the right courses, aligning with their skill level and academic readiness.

Now, let’s have a closer look at each placement test.

1. Math Placement Test

A Math placement test evaluates your mathematical proficiency. The test covers a wide range of topics such as arithmetic (addition, multiplication, subtraction, decimals, division, and fraction), pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, and graphing.

It also covers advanced topics, including parabolas, logarithms, and determinants.

You have 90 min to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and a score of 30 or higher can get you a great placement in math courses.

To avoid struggle and becoming overwhelmed in advanced courses, it is critical to complete this section.

2. Reading Placement Test

A reading placement test assesses your ability to comprehend what you read. You will be involved in reading different texts and passages. Subsequently, you will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions.

The total number of questions varies per college. In general, you have to answer 30 questions. For more information, check out your college website or contact your college authority.

However, this test will gauge your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information . Your placement in English or Literature courses mostly depends on these results.

3. Writing Placement Test

In a writing placement test, students are required to read a brief composition and then compose a coherent essay in response to it.

This test evaluates your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and thought expression.

Your writing skills might not be good enough for college, even if you did well in high school. Thus, there is a writing placement test requirement from most community colleges for first-year students.

In most cases, you have to submit a passage or thesis within two hours; and this whole process includes topic outlining and writing.

4. English Placement Test

An English placement test evaluates how well you can read and understand written English. The test has three parts: reading, writing, and listening.

Unlike others, an English placement test is not mandatory for every college or university ; however, some of them require it.

For instance, the University of Georgia administers an English placement test that contains 60 questions for a duration of 60 min.

This test will assess your broader language skills, including vocabulary, language usage, and grammar.

5. Foreign language Placement Test

Foreign Language Placement Test or Foreign Language Placement Assessment is designed to assess your foreign language proficiency based on your previous coursework and skill on the language. 

It helps colleges to identify your appropriate level for a particular foreign language course, whether it’s introductory, intermediate, or advanced.

The foreign language test includes questions related to listening, vocabulary, and grammar . 

6. Computer and Internet Technologies Placement Test

A Computer Skill Placement test, also known as Computer Skill Assessment, evaluates your computer literacy and proficiency in using various computer applications and softwares. 

Students who aim to major in technology-related courses are required to sit for this placement test. Through this test, colleges or universities analyze if you have a fundamental understanding of computers, softwares, and hardwares.

Additionally, it examines your basic and advanced knowledge of databases and spreadsheets.

However, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as introduction to computer systems, system software, Microsoft (MS) Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.

7. Health Science Placement Test

The Health Science Placement Test or TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) examines your entry-level skills of health science in four subjects and assigns the appropriate course to you according to your expertise. 

The four subjects include:

• English and language usage

Take the TEAS test if you are an applicant for a nursing or radiology program. Moreover, it is a computerized exam consisting of multiple-choice questions.

The table below presents the time and number distribution

Now the question is, what are the possible skills for which you will be questioned?

You will be questioned about:

• Reading (31%) – Craft and structure, key ideas and details, and consolidation of ideas and knowledge.
• Math (22%) – Measurements and data, numbers, and algebra.
• Science (31%) – Scientific reasoning, life and physical science, as well as human anatomy and physiology
• English and Language Usage (16%) – Vocabulary, knowledge of language, and standard English

Why Are College Placement Tests Essential?

College placement tests are essential because they help colleges to determine if you have the required skills to enroll in college.

They help the college to make an informed decision about the course placements and assist you in your academic career. It ensures you remain in your comfort zone and enjoy the classes.

Your scores in these tests are critical; high scores can open the doors of advanced courses for you.

What Happens if Your College Placement Tests Scores are Low?

You’ll be placed in classes that will help you learn the material before you move on to harder classes if you don’t perform well in a placement test. However, you can’t fail a placement test .

It will lead you to a remedial class, which ultimately helps you to improve. Thus, it’s a win-win situation.

For instance, my high school friend Sarah, who scored exceptionally well in the placement test, resulted in her being placed in advanced Mathematics and Science classes right from the start of college.

This boosted her confidence and helped her to be ahead of schedule.

Conversely, Tom had difficulty in his writing placement test, leading him to enroll in a remedial writing class. Eventually, he improved his skills and excelled in higher-level writing.

Seven Important Preparation Tips for College Placement Tests

The following are seven practical tips on how to prepare effectively for college placement tests—

Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the placement test. You should have an idea about the types of questions, sections, and time constraints for each section.

Review the Content

Identify the subject areas covered in the placement test. For example, review concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic if it’s a math placement test.

For a writing placement test, develop your grammar, punctuation, and essay writing skills.

Use Official Study Materials

Many placement tests, such as the ACCUPLACER , offer official study materials and practice tests. Utilize them and gain a better understanding of the test content.

Seek Additional Resources

In addition to official study materials, explore other resources including test prep books, online courses, and study guides . There are often free or affordable options available online.

Create a Study Schedule

Design a study schedule according to your learning style and commitments. Dedicate specific periods each day or week because consistency is key; therefore, stick to your schedule.

Break It Down

Divide your study material into sections. Moreover, focusing on one topic or subject area at a time will make studying more manageable.

Practice Regularly

Practice is essential for test preparation. Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment. It will also help you get accustomed to the pressure of the test.

Taking the Test – Dos and Don’ts

It’s finally the test day! What you should do and what you shouldn’t? Typically, taking a placement test requires exquisite planning and execution. However, to ensure a good score, follow these instructions:

• Aim to arrive early because arriving late can easily increase your stress levels.
• Check your test center’s guidelines in advance and bring all the necessary materials (means of identification, pencils, any allowed reference sheet, and calculator).
• When you start, read each question and prompt carefully . You can first read the questions and identify some keywords if there is a passage. This will help you to answer faster and more efficiently.
• Smart time management is crucial. Don’t dwell on difficult questions; move on to the next after marking them for review.
• Answer all the questions if there is no penalty for a wrong answer. An educated guess can earn you points.
• Check for omissions at the end of every section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decent score for college placement tests.

In general, an ACCUPLACER test score between 200 and 230 is considered a low score , while 230 and above is considered a good score . Having said that, I recommend aiming for 260. 

How can I register for placement tests?

To register for a placement test, contact an enrollment advisor who will assess your academic history and inform you whether or not to take a test. Thereafter, sign up on your college website and download the placement test form to register. It may require your school account. Remember, the process can vary depending on the college.

How many times can I take a placement test for college?

You can have two retakes for college placement tests. However, some colleges ask the second retaker students to take the diagnostic version of the placement test as well.

Final Words

College placement tests are pivotal in shaping your academic success. With proper preparation, intellectual guidance, careful execution, and a positive mindset , you can achieve your desire.

These tests aren’t barriers, they are opportunities that are waiting for you; They are ways to showcase your abilities and expertise.

Therefore, embrace them, stay focused, and let them guide you towards a brighter future and success.

Reference Links

·   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placement_testing

·   https://study.com/academy/popular/how-many-times-can-you-take-the-accuplacer-test.html

·   https://collegeforadults.org/applying-to-college/placement-tests

Emily Watson

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Sample Essays

Below are two sample essays. Both essays are in response to the writing prompt below. The first sample essay demonstrates a readiness for English Composition I (a writing course required in all degree programs). The second contains weak areas demonstrating a need for additional support to foster success in English Composition I.

Penn College faculty evaluate essays based on the following:

• organization
• development of ideas
• sentence structure
• word choice
• punctuation

The Faculty Evaluation section explains how effectively the student addressed each essay component and provides a rationale for each student’s placement.

English Composition I (ENL 111)

Write about a sport, hobby, or extra-curricular activity that you were involved with in high school and the impact that sport or activity had on your life. Be sure to clearly identify the sport or activity, and use specific details how this involvement made an impact on your life.

Student Essay:

One hobby or skill I pride myself in is my ability to cook, one that I have only obtained in my last 2 years working as a cook. When I started at Rotelli (an Italian restaurant in State College) it was right after my senior year in High school.

Fresh out of High school with no prior experience in the “real world” I was more or less forced to mature to meet the basic standards of a high-end kitchen employee. Allowing people to walk all over me due to my nonthreatening appearance and stoic resolve was no longer an option. Most of my coworkers were/are gruff, seasonal restaurant employees who will verbally “go for the throat” without a moments notice.

After several months of this environment and dreading going to work, I picked up on things to sharpen my wit, making what was before an entire night of being picked on into just playful verbal abuse. After this realization literally everything seemed less of a hassel, as well as near complete immunity to any sort of heckling. I even pushed the envelope by getting my lip pierced to “draw more heat” but no such insidents occurred.

In summation, the restaurant not only turned me into a good cook but also prepared me for the hassel and hardships of the real world, something that will be a definite benefit to me in the future.

Faculty Evaluation:

The essay shows a significant degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions the specific hobby (cooking) that will be the subject of the essay, and then each paragraph relates to this particular hobby and its impact on the student’s life. The development of ideas occurs in each paragraph because the student writes about how the experience at this restaurant has impacted the student at the restaurant and the possible impact on the student’s future. There are some minor errors in punctuation , word choice , and spelling , but they do not take away from the reader’s ability to understand the paragraphs individually and the essay as a whole. The sentence structure is consistently strong throughout the essay, and evident in each paragraph. The essay contains specific details. The student connects the paragraphs to the prompt, clearly showing the impact that the experience at this restaurant has had on the student’s life. This student was placed in ENL111.

English Composition I (ENL 111) with English Composition Lab (ENL105)

Write about a sport, hobby, or extra-curricular activity that you were involved with in high school and the impact that sport or activity had on your life. Be sure to clearly identify the sport or activity, and use specific details about how this involvement made an impact on your life.

For my essay I will be choosing number two. The activity I will be writing about is highschool wrestling. I chose this sport in nineth grade. The reason I chose it was because I herd it had good rewards. I will be writing to you about the difficulties, rewards, experience, all what I learned from challenges.

There are multiple problems with word choice and spelling.

I will start with the difficulties. The one major difficulty for most people is eating. You must keep your weight minimal or you shouldnt even show up. What you learn from this is disapline. The second is fear with anciaty. You may want this actualy before a match. You get scared and prepare better. Your anciaty gives you speek and strength when you get on the mat. This teaches you how to use your weakness.

The ideas are not developed here. For instance, there are no details on why weight is a problem.

The last difficultie is physical pain and edurance. The best way to deal with it is to ignore it. Your mind is whats telling you it hurts and you need to stop. Tell it to ignore it and over time it will. This teacies you the more important thing which is you can do anything if you beleive you can. Those are some of the Difficulties and lessens you learn from wrestling.

In addition to spelling, punctuation, and grammar problems, this paragraph does not connect the ideas to each other, nor to the prompt.

The rewards you experience are great. The greatest reward is self greatness. When you train and win you feel accomplishd. You also have respect from your team and coach. It feels like you have some power. The last reward is the body. You get a great body from it and you feel great. Girls will offten give you attention for having it. Those are some of the rewards of wrestling.

Spelling issues are present and the ideas are listed, but not developed.

Over all highschool wrestling is a great way to improve yourself. I have learnd many skill and discipline from it. I have changed my life because of it. There will always be difficulties but you will always get somthing out of it. That is what I have to discuss on my activity.

While the student demonstrates some understanding of five paragraph format, there are numerous errors overall and little idea development in the essay.

The essay shows a degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions three points to be made in the essay: difficulties, rewards, and experience. In the body of the essay, however, there is very little development of ideas . In the second paragraph, the student does not develop the idea of disciplined eating or anxiety. Paragraph four is a list of three rewards from wrestling, but the ideas are only listed, not developed. While there are some errors in punctuation , there are significant problems with sentence structure throughout the essay, especially with grammar , word choice , and spelling . These are pervasive throughout the essay. This student was placed in ENL111 with the additional support of ENL105.

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Placement Test Preparation FAQs

What should I expect during placement testing?

Please read this overview of what to expect during placement testing. Covered topics include: the purpose of the placement test, tips for preparing before the test, what to bring on testing day, how to navigate the test, how to get your results, and more.

What are the  placement testing rules  in the Testing Center? Please determine what items you must bring to the testing center and learn the rules of the testing session. A valid, current photo ID will be required.

Why should I prepare for my placement test? Research shows practicing sample questions and reviewing your math, writing, and reading materials in advance can significantly improve your performance on the test, and help you enter college at exactly the right course levels to match your abilities and goals. Preparing will also allow you to become familiar with the test, the computer or calculator, and reduce any test anxiety.

You cannot "fail" the placement test, but your scores are important and will determine which classes you will register for in your first semester. Taking the time to prepare for your placement test may result in a higher placement.

How many sections are there in the placement test? If you're required to take all three parts, the placement test will consist of writing, reading, and math sections.

What can I expect in the writing part of the test? The writing section is the only section that's timed. You'll receive a prompt and have 50 minutes to write between 300-600 words. The closer you write to 600 words the more likely you'll get a better score. There's a word counter at the bottom left of the screen.

How can I prepare for the writing placement test? Learn and practice the basics of writing a good essay and other writing skills before taking the placement test with these documents:

What can I expect during the reading part of the test? You'll have passages to read and answer questions about them. There are 20 multiple choice questions to answer.

Are there sample questions I can go over to prepare for the reading placement test?

What can I expect during the math part of the test? It will start with 20 multiple choice questions in basic algebra. Depending on your responses, the test could end at the end of the 20 questions. Or you can receive an additional 20 questions in either advanced algebra or arithmetic.

Are there sample questions I can go over to prepare for the math placement test?

Can I use a calculator or paper and pencil? A calculator is available on the screen during portions of the math test. You can use paper and pencil during the math test or any other part of the test.

What if I'm an ESL student? If English is your second language and you find some questions difficult, here are some sample ESL questions to practice:

What's on the  placement test ? All students should review the description of each placement test before taking it.  This link  gives information about the format and special features of the test.

Is there an app that I can use to help prepare? Yes, you can download the ACCUPLACER Study App . This is an interactive practice test/study app available for your phone, tablet, or computer for a small fee, which will help you prepare for the test.

Writing Placement Test

In This Section

To demonstrate college-ready writing skills, review the testing scores summary to determine if you need to take placement testing.

Writing Placement Test FAQ

What is the Accelerated Learning Program?

Rather than taking two semesters to complete ENG-098 and ENG-101, if you're placed into ENG-098 can take both classes in just one semester. Some ENG-098 students take the ENG-101 course, with students placed directly into ENG-101. The ENG-098 class meets immediately following their ENG-101 class for additional support.

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Who needs the writing placement test?

All new degree-seeking students are required to demonstrate initial placement levels in English upon entry to the College in order to register for their first semester.

Additionally, any student wishing to register for courses may also need to demonstrate specific placement levels in order to satisfy a particular course prerequisite.

• 19 or higher on the English portion of the ACT; or 480 on SAT or PSAT reading and writing; valid for 5 years; or
• 4 or higher on the PARCC reading and writing assessment; or
• Successful completion with a C or better of ENG 098 or LTC 099 at ECC or an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college (official transcripts required); or
• Successful completion with a C or better in college-level courses at another college/university (official transcripts required); or
• High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale; or
• GED score of 165 or higher or HiSet score of 15 or higher plus essay score of 4; or
• A minimum score on AP, CLEP, or IB exam .
• Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years).

How does the test work?

Using a computer, you will write an essay of approximately 2 pages in length. You will select one of three topics to focus your essay response. You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper. 

An effective essay will include each of the following:

• A thesis or main idea;
• Several paragraphs of sufficient, relevant, and specific detail or examples related to the topic selected based on your experience, observations, or readings;
• Good organization, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion;
• Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper. 

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by reviewing the sample scored essays .

Placement test results will be available within 7 business days.

How can I prepare for the test?

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your Writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by:

• Review the sample scored essays .

When will I get my score?

Writing placement test results will be available within 7 business days. Please plan accordingly to have the Writing placement test results completed prior to registration. You can view all placement test results on the  accessECC portal .

What does my score mean?

If your writing placement test score is:

• Prepare to retake the placement test.
• Developmental course required. Enroll in LTC-099 (College Literacy)
• Developmental courses required. Enroll in ENG-098 and ENG-101 (Accelerated Learning Program (ALP))
• No developmental course required. Enroll in college-ready courses, including ENG-101.

If you are not happy with your first attempt, you may retake the placement tests twice, providing you have not started a reading or English course. Once you have completed a reading or English class at ECC, you may retest with the approval of the placement coordinator. Your reading and writing placement results are valid for five years.

Testing Center

Building B --> Building B , Room B115 847-214-7150 Fax: 847-608-5474 testing@elgin.edu

Hours Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm Friday: 8 am to 3 pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm

*Note: The Testing Center is closed Tuesdays from 2 to 3 pm for a department meeting. All tests and materials are collected 15 minutes before closing.

11 Tips To Do Well On A College Placement Test

Wondering about the right degree to take in college? Don’t know what department you should enroll in at university? Or are you one of those students who are having a hard time acing their college placement exams? Regardless of your reasons, there are various ways that you can utilize to make the most out of your placement tests and getting into a college program that you like and are good at.

The Art Of Acing College Placement Exams

It’s said that taking college placement exams is one thing, acing them is another different matter. While some students may find such tests easy and trouble-free, others are said to have a hard time handling and dealing with them. 

If you belong to the latter group, you might need simple yet highly effective hacks to ace your exam. But if you’re seeking for professional guidance to achieve better results, you can try this out or seek help from competent academic instructors and tutors. There’s a lot of different third-party help that is available for everyone who seeks them. 

Although commonly used interchangeably to refer to the exam taken before formally starting higher education, college placement exams differ significantly from entrance exams. The former is a type of exam that primarily focuses on allowing students to determine the class they should take upon college enrolment. On the other hand, the latter mainly talks about the test utilized by college faculties to identify which enrollees should be accepted and allowed in their respective departments. 

The scoring system on both types of the exam is believed to be crucial in helping students determine their areas of expertise and interest. It’s also considered as another deciding factor to choose their future degree. Such exams are important in gauging students’ skills and identifying possible areas for learner improvement. 

When it comes to taking college placement exams, you must be equipped with the adequate skillset and abundant knowledge that can significantly help you conquer them. Some abilities may include:

• Willingness to take initiatives, 
• Capacity to manage questions,
• Problem-solving skills,
• Commitment to work,
• Communication capabilities,
• Multitasking,
• Team spirit, and, 
• Creativity.

Helpful Hacks To Successfully Surmount Your College Placement Exam

While there’s no denying the role college placement exams play in meticulously evaluating your academic skills and areas of interest, taking this particular type of college exam can be daunting and challenging for most first-timers. Apart from assessing your grades, test scores, and essays, such tests can also help you determine which study program you can take in college and which department should you enroll in. 

When it comes to preparing for your college placement exam, it’s important to establish a comprehensive action plan to keep you focused and driven to reach your goal of acing your upcoming examinations. Knowing well what your objectives are can greatly help you to identify the steps you must take to achieve better and more favorable results in the end. 

To help you more, below is a list of helpful ways incoming college freshmen like you may find beneficial in helping with the forthcoming college placement exams.

• Determine Academic Exemptions

One of the primary steps in taking college placement exams involves determining if you’re eligible for any institutional exemptions or academic scholarships. If you’re considering attending a community college or a prestigious university, you must first know what programs they’re offering or any exemptions you can utilize before you sign up for a college placement exam. Such exemptions can spare you from taking part in the college placement exam altogether if you meet their rigid conditions. 

Some academic requirements that many schools are said to often require their examinees may include:

• Higher score results in Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT ;
• An updated copy of previous placement exam results; and,
• College-level coursework completion certificates.

In the scenario that you fail to attend college and your score didn’t reach the school’s minimum standard scoring system, you’re more likely to take a placement exam despite your supposed exemption from it. However, such rules differ depending on your respective school.      

• Beat Others To The Race By Being Early

When it comes to landing in a good university, one of the things that you need to do is to search for potential openings for college placement exams and register at an earlier time. While there are colleges that provide announcements for such events, there are also those that don’t. Hence, you must be mindful of recently published bulletins and reports. Also, always prioritize sending your applications to your chosen schools ahead of time. 

Knowing the available exam dates and locations can help you reserve the most convenient dates. This can be a great help in ensuring your spot and preventing you from running out of slots in college placement exam schedules.  

• Identify The Types Of Exams You’re Going To Take

After learning about the registry periods and securing your exam slot, another step that you can do is to identify the type of tests you’re going to take. Generally, universities and colleges utilize varying types of placement exams to determine their incoming students’ skills and areas of expertise to effectively direct them into their appropriate departments. Determining which kind of exam you’re going to take can be of great help for you in knowing what area you should focus on, the exam’s length, and the study aids you can utilize.

There are various types of placement exams colleges and universities adopt nationwide. It’s advisable to reach out to the concerned admissions officers of the higher education institute you’re planning to apply to. 

• Utilize In-house School Resources

Before you take the placement exam, you might want to consider using educational resources and study aids from your school. Be sure to approach and ask your teacher for further guidance.

Upon the announcements of college placement exams, most colleges accepting admissions provide studying tools for their examinees. Such study aids may include review packets, mock exams, practice problems, and workshops. These resources can be obtained through online websites or by visiting their respective onsite learning centers on campus.   

• Establish A Comprehensive Study Routine

Take the time to go over the subjects and learning areas you're going to be tested on. You can look over notes you have from previous courses or any textbooks you may still have that are related to the possible exam scope. 

Apply the same studying routine that you would use for any other test. Some of them include:

• Reviewing important terms;
• Getting familiar with any formulas you need to know; and, 
• Working on different sets of practice questions. 

Then, formulate a detailed study routine that’d serve as a roadmap every time you study. Stick to it as much as possible yet you should be open to tweaking it in the name of continuous improvement. A schedule for studying can be handy to help you track your current progress and the areas you still need to improve and work on. 

• Avoid Cramming

If you’re determined to ace your college placement exams, one of the things you should avoid is cramming. In fact, there are reasons why cramming is said to be inappropriate for studying . While there are students who believe that doing last-minute review sessions significantly enhances their capacity to comprehend and grasp concepts, there’s no definite study that proves such belief. Particularly, it’s also believed that cramming decreases one’s potential of performing well on exams because of supposed poor learning retention levels.

To avoid such scenarios, you must give yourself sufficient time to study at intervals and take sufficiently timed breaks in between. Studying for at least 20-60 minutes without interruptions can be a great start for your study plan. After that time, you may have short breaks to eat, bond with a friend, or just take a rest before repeating the same routine all over again.

To effectively pull this off, you may set a schedule and create an extensive and detailed study plan. Additionally, you must also religiously follow the said routine. Through this alternative, you have greater chances of retaining more valuable information before your exam.  

• Seek Supplementary Support

Apart from seeking your school’s direct assistance regarding study tools and resources, you may also look for additional support from external sources which can efficiently help your preparation for the placement exam. 

For starters, you may access self-assessment quizzes and mock exams uploaded over the web to test your skills and track your progress. Besides that, you can also enroll in different online tutorial classes and review centers to fully develop your comprehension and understanding of varying knowledge areas. 

Additionally, there are many non-profit organizations that cater supplemental learning services to students who belong to marginalized groups. Make sure to reach out to one if you’re in dire need of educational help.  

• Get Some Exercise

When it comes to preparing yourself for upcoming college placement exams, another thing that’s regarded to significantly help you is through engaging in a variety of physical activities. You may not know it, but even a half-hour session of cardiovascular activities is believed to be effective in enhancing your memory and other cognitive abilities . 

Physical activities, such as exercise, workouts, and any other fitness-oriented training may help your blood circulation processes. They’re also believed to help stimulate different bodily functions and improve working memory. Apart from that, such activities can also aid in the transmission of necessary nutrients and oxygen to your organs which can maximize your energy levels, reduce stress, and bolster your other bodily functions. 

Be it a simple routine of walking, jogging, and running or undergoing a more rigorous and physically demanding workout routine, any kind of physical activity can be beneficial to you.     

• Prepare And Eat Healthy Meals

Preparing for your placement exam doesn’t only mean improving your cognitive skills and capacity before the exam date. It’s also about taking care of your health and keeping it in good condition before the intensive examinations. When it comes to selecting the type of food you eat, you must’ve heard about the importance of choosing the healthiest ones, especially if you’re preparing for an important day like the college placement exams test date. 

Particularly, the food you eat a week or two before the exam date is said to have an impact on your health. It’s been reported that eating superfoods, which are high in antioxidants, fiber, and carbohydrates can be a part of a hearty yet nutritious meal plan that can boost your overall performance. Food items like oatmeal, buckwheat, blueberries, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and bananas can offer you sustained energy throughout the day along with other purported health benefits. 

As a student, you may also consider steering away from any junk food items as this can gravely affect your cognitive capacity and attention span. Some other types of healthful breakfast ideas and purported brain-boosting food options that are said to help bolster bodily functions, including mental capacities and cognitive skills include: 

• Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries,
• Hazelnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds,
• Whole wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal,
• Tuna, salmon, and mackerel,
• Dark chocolate,
• Soy-based products.

Aside from that, some other researchers also suggest the importance of taking vitamin food supplements that contain magnesium, beta-carotene, Vitamins A, B, C, and E, and ginseng. These helpful nutrients are believed to provide potential aid in improving your mental capacity. For better and more favorable results, seeking professional help from doctors and dieticians is advised. 

• Look For A Study-Friendly Environment

Aside from eating healthy food and engaging in sweat-breaking exercise, another thing that can positively impact your brain’s working capacity is your environment. The place where you study is said to be an integral factor that can affect your retention, memory, and attention span. Hence, you must prioritize looking for a learner-friendly environment where you can study at peace. While some other students can be seen studying in their school libraries, other places can be your resting places, such as student lounges, coffee shops, and study hubs near your place. 

There’s a Nigerian study suggesting that the environment can affect students’ learning capabilities. Altering your study surroundings can significantly enhance your cognitive abilities to help you better prepare for your upcoming tests. Particularly, the brain is believed to create special associations between your working memory and any external noise or visual images around you. Hence, the need to search for better places where you can fully enjoy the beauty of learning while studying.    

• Develop And Practice Time Management

When it comes to preparing for the placement exam, another thing you can do involves practicing appropriate time management techniques, which can help you better maximize the limited time allotted for answering the test. Taking timed mock tests and testing your answering skills can be of great help in gauging your ability to answer the exam within a given timeframe.

Apart from that, it can also be beneficial to create a comprehensive study plan that contains a logical schedule with study periods to better help you study each subject as a simulation of the real deal. 

You must also know that rushing won’t do you any good whenever you’re studying as this can affect your retention skills. That’s why having study breaks between your study sessions can be a great help to you.

Key Takeaway

Preparing for the college placement exam can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-timer. While there are various online tools that you can utilize to assist you in your preparation, it’s also important to create a comprehensive plan that can serve as your exam guide. 

Some helpful practices that may help include determining academic exemptions, eating healthy meals, engaging in exercise, seeking additional help, familiarizing yourself with the exam types, practicing time management, and studying in a student-friendly environment. 

Strong passion and a commitment to success, riddled with smart test preparation techniques can drive you to reach your goal of easily acing the college placement test.

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Information on English Placement Exam

The following information refers only to the Placement Exam on the Columbus campus. For information about English Placement on another Ohio State campus, please contact your advisor.

The English Placement Exam asks students to respond to a prompt that requires critical reading, summary skills, and an original essay in response. Students read a short opinion piece (approximately 500-750 words) and are asked to summarize and then respond to it.

General Directions for the Placement Exam

The Placement Test asks you to read a short essay, write a one-paragraph summary of that essay, and write a response to that essay.

You have a few choices about the document type you use to write and submit your essay:

You may write your essay in Word, Pages, or Google Docs and copy and paste it into the submission text box once you have completed it and submit it there.

You may type your essay directly into the text box in the Testing area and submit it through the submission function.

Please read the essay before you begin writing. When you have finished reading the essay, respond to it in two ways.

Step 1: Write a one-paragraph summary of the essay that provides a good idea of what the essay is about. Be sure to identify the central argument in your summary and to include the title of the essay and the author’s name in the summary.

Step 2: Write an essay of your own that responds to the author's argument. In your essay, do your best to demonstrate your composition skills and familiarity with edited American English. While much academic writing requires finding and working with outside sources, this placement essay should consist exclusively of your own writing. While you may quote from the placement reading, do not include the work of other writers

You should work to display the following attributes in your writing:

A clearly defined central idea (thesis).

A clear and logical organization (clearly defined organization and logical paragraphs).

Strong supporting details drawn from experience, observation, and/or from the reading. No sources outside the reading should be included.

An understanding of the reading and argument presented in it.

Grammatically correct and effective sentences.

You may take some time to to free-write, plan, or outline your thoughts before you write the essay. If you are writing in Word, Pages, or Google Docs to copy and paste into the text box, be sure to include a header or separation between your notes and Steps 1 and 2. If you are typing directly into the submission text box instead of in a file that you will cut and paste, please indicate the location of your planning notes in the text box with a heading such as notes , brainstorming , or free - writing .

NOTE: The writing you submit should be your own . This is not only because the Student Code of Conduct requires that you do your own work, but also because it is essential for our assessment process that the writing you submit is typical of your writing. If you get help with your response, you may be placed in a class that is too difficult for you.

Please make an effort to proofread your work before you submit it. At the least, make sure that the separation between pre-writing notes and Steps 1 and 2 is clear.

We strongly recommend that you write both your summary and your response using Word, Pages, or Google Docs and then copy and paste them into the submission area. If you write in the textbox itself, you may lose your work if you have an internet interruption or your browser times out .

Once you have submitted your test, our team of readers will read the summary and response to determine which of the following English courses will be the best for you:

Level 4: either English 1110.01 or 1110.02 (3 credit hours)

Level 5: English 1110.03 (3 credit hours) and 1193 (1 credit hour) simultaneously (a total of 4 credit hours)

Level 6: English 1109 (4 credit hours). After completing 1109, you must enroll in English 1110.03 and 1193 simultaneously (4 credit hours) to complete your first-year writing requirement.

We will send your results to be posted to your Student Testing Profile in SIS. Once the results are posted in your Buckeye Link profile, you will be able to work with your advisor to schedule for first-year writing. (Results will not be entered in Carmen.)

Carmen works best using Chrome on a PC or Mac. We do not recommend using the Carmen app for the exam. The app offers a limited version of Carmen and can make it harder to find and access some features. In addition, your work may not properly upload into the submission area.

We recommend taking the test on a tablet or computer, not your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Placement exams are read and assessed every business day. Unless there is a technical issue or complication with your exam, you can expect to see your results in Carmen within 1-2 business days. After your result is posted in Carmen, it is sent to the Testing Center to be added to your Buckeye Link account. Your advisor will be able to see your result in SIS 24 hours after Testing updates it.

Please email us at [email protected] to request accommodations such as extended time at least two business days before you plan to take the exam. You should also register with Student Disability Services .

No. If you have taken the ESL Composition Placement test, you will be placed into EDUTL or English classes on the basis of that test. Please email us at [email protected] if you are asked to take both tests.

A placement result of 4 means you can register for English 1110.01 or 1110.02. A placement result of 5 means you must register for English 1110.03 and 1193. A placement result of 6 means you must register for English 1109.

If you experience technical difficulties, email [email protected] . We can reset your attempt and allow you to take the exam again. You will receive a new exam and have to begin again.

No. You can retake the exam if you have technical difficulties, but we do not reassess placement exams. If you have questions about your placement, you can contact Scott DeWitt ( [email protected] ) and Ashleigh Hardin ( [email protected] ).

Probably. Ask your advisor if placement procedures have changed since you were assigned the placement exam. You can also email [email protected] .

The best way to prepare for the Placement Exam is to ensure you're able to take the exam in a distraction-free environment with a reliable internet connection. You should also make sure you can devote the full 75 minutes to the exam. Take the exam when you're not sleepy or hungry. Read the instructions fully before you begin the exam. Other than these preparations, students should not need to "study" for the English Placement Exam.

Yes, unless you also took a First-Year Writing course at another school as well. We do not recognize placement exams from other institutions.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to get a perfect 8|8|8 sat essay score.

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

The SAT Essay is scored separately from the rest of the SAT now, thanks to the changes that went into effect in March 2016 .

While the essay is now optional (you don't automatically have to take it every time you take the SAT), s ome colleges still require students to submit SAT essay scores with their applications . Learning how to consistently write a perfect SAT essay will be a huge boost to your application to these schools.

In this article, we'll discuss what it takes to get a perfect 8/8/8 on the SAT essay and what you need to do to train yourself to get this top score.

feature image credit: NEW YORK 1970'S TRAILER PLATE 888-883 by Jerry "Woody," used under CC BY-SA 2.0 /Cropped from original.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

The Big Secret

You’ll have to practice this. The perfect SAT essay is like a puzzle that happens to be in written form—it can be mastered, but to do it well and completely every time requires practice with a lot of sample topics. You need to learn the format of an effective essay and how to fill out a complete essay within 50 minutes.

What an SAT Essay Score of 8 Means

If you’re already scoring a 5 or above in all three areas on practice (or real) SAT essays, you have a shot at completely nailing what the graders want, represented by a score of 8/8/8, with a little practice.

But there’s something important to remember in your question for perfection: on the SAT essay, an 8 in all categories is not always achievable. We’ve got good news and bad news for those of you who are determined to score an 8/8/8 on the SAT essay.

The Bad News

Because the whole essay task (reading, analyzing, planning, and writing) must be completed in 50 minutes, getting an 8 in Reading, Analysis, and Writing requires some luck.

You have to read the article and analyze the way the author builds her/his argument, pick out the most important components to the argument, find evidence to support your interpretation, and plan out your essay before you can even start writing.

A lot depends on how quickly you can come up with a thesis and relevant support for whatever the prompt happens to be—you might find some articles easier to read and analyze the argumentative structure of than others.

You'll need to use precise language to show mastery of English writing. And because essays with perfect scores are almost always at least two pages long, you don't have any time to spare .

If you trip up on your execution of any of these aspects, the graders might not give your SAT essay an 8/8/8.

The Good News

Because the essay is so formulaic, it's always possible to get a 6 across the board . Sometimes you might find the author's argument to analyze harder than others, or sometimes you might find the article more difficult to get through, but you will always be able to impress them enough to get a 6/6/6.

No college worth its salt is going to base your college admissions decision on getting those last two points on an essay you had 50 minutes to write (especially when the essay is optional). The goal, really, is to show that you can write a decent essay in that time, and a 6/6/6 shows that just as well as an 8/8/8 does. But you should aim as high as you can, so keep reading to find out what it really takes to get a perfect score on the SAT essay.

The Difference Between a 6 and an 8

If we asked the College Board what the difference is between a 6 and an 8 SAT essay, they would direct us to the scoring rubric that shows the criteria for a 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Reading, Analysis, and Writing. (SAT essays are scored by two graders who each rate your essay on a scale of 1-4 in Reading, Analysis, and Writing; the two graders' scores are added together to get scores out of 8 for each domain.)

Below, we've excerpted the criteria for a 3 and a 4 in all three domains and described the differences between the 3 and 4 score levels for Reading, Analysis, and Writing . We’ve marked the differences between the 3 and 4 criteria in bold.

Let’s condense the information above. A perfect 4 essay :

• is extremely clear
• is consistent, smooth, and easy to read
• has few errors
• is not repetitive in content or language
• is sufficiently detailed (using evidence from the text) to fully support the writer’s thesis
• demonstrates that you understand the text and the author’s claim(s)

In other words, you need to excel in every one of these aspects to get a perfect score.

A Sample Essay

Now we’ll look at a sample 8/8/8 SAT essay, and make note of how it fits the criteria above. The prompt (taken from The Official SAT Study Guide ) for the sample essay is as follows:

Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States. In your essay, analyze how Goodman uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

The passage to which this prompt refers appears on pp. 183-185 of The Official SAT Study Guide (March 2016 & Beyond) , or on slightly different pages in later editions. You'll need the passage to follow along with the sample essay below.

Here’s the essay. Read it first, and we’ll have annotations below.

     In the article “Foreign News at a Crisis Point,” Peter S. Goodman eloquently argues the ‘point’ that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States. Goodman builds his argument by using facts and evidence, addressing the counterarguments, and couching it all in persuasive and compelling language.

     Goodman begins the article by bombarding the reader with facts and statistics. He states that, according to a census conducted by the American Journalism Review, the number of full-time foreign news correspondents in the United States dropped from 307 in 2003 to 234 in 2011. In addition, the AJR survey also discovered that “the space devoted to foreign news [in American papers] had shrunk by 53 percent” in the last 25 years.

     Beginning the article with all of these facts and figures has a couple of strengtheing effects on Goodman’s argument. First, by starting out with hard evidence, Goodman lays the groundwork of his own credibility. He’s not just writing an opinion piece—his opinion is backed by the truth. This will bring the readers onboard and make them more likely to trust everything else he says. Second, because Goodman presents these facts without much explaining/interpreting, the reader is forced to do the math herself. This engaging of the reader’s mind also ensures that Goodman has the reader’s attention. When the reader does the math to find a drop of 73 full-time foreign news correspondents employed by US papers in just 8 short years, she will find herself predisposed to agree with Goodman’s call for more professional foreign news reporting.

     In addition to employing facts to his argument’s advantage, Goodman also cunningly discusses the counterargument to his position. By writing about how social media and man-on-the-ground reporting has had some positive impact on the state of foreign news reporting, Goodman heads off naysayers at the pass. It would have been very easy for Goodman to elide over the whole issue of citizen reporting, but the resultant one-sided argument would have been much less convincing. Instead, Goodman acknowledges things like “the force of social media during the Arab Spring, as activists convened and reacted to changing circumstances.” As a result, when he partially refutes this counterargument, stating the “unease” many longtime profession correspondents feel over the trend of ‘citizen journalism’ feel, the reader is much more likely to believe him. After all, Goodman acknowledges that social media does have some power. Knowing that Goodman takes the power of social media seriously will make the reader more inclined, in turn, to take Goodman’s concern about the limits of social media seriously.

     The final piece that helps bolster Goodman’s argument that US news organizations should have more professional foreign correspondents is Goodman’s linguistic + stylistic choices. Goodman uses contrasts to draw the reader deeper into his mindset. By setting up the contrast between professional reporters as “informational filters” that discriminate good from bad and amateur, man-on-the-spot reporters as undiscriminating “funnels,” Goodman forces the reader to view the two in opposition and admit that professional filters are to be preferred over funnels that add “speculatio, propaganda, and other white noise” to their reporting. In addition, Goodman drives the reader along toward agreeing with his conclusion in the penultimate paragraph of the article with the repetition of the phrase “We need.” With every repetition, Goodman hammers even further home the inescapable rightness of his argument. The use of “We” more generally through the article serves to make the readers feel sympathetic towards Goodman and identify with him.

     By employing the rhetorical techniques of presenting facts, acknowledging the other side, and using persuasive language, Goodman convinces the reader of his claim.

Here are our notes on what stands out in this essay (general comments are in purple, spelling/grammar errors are highlighted in yellow):

Note that not every 8/8/8 essay needs to have exactly the same items in here, nor do you need to argue in exactly the same way. But the elements in this essay make it a standout and demonstrate clear mastery.

And now for the million-dollar question:

What Makes This SAT Essay an 8 Rather Than a 6?

Maybe you get the theory behind what makes an essay an 8/8/8, but how can you tell the difference between a 6 and an 8 in practice? Read on to find out what distinguishes this particular SAT essay as a perfect 8 in Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

Precise Language

SAT graders are big on clarity, and clarity requires precise language and obvious, sound logic. In this essay, vivid language is used effectively and appropriately:

• Goodman is described as bombarding the reader with facts and figures
• The writer describes Goodman as arguing his point using not just language but persuasive and compelling language :
• The effect of Goodman’s argument is not just that it convinces the reader, but that " the reader…will find herself predisposed to agree with Goodman’s call for more professional foreign news reporting. "

All of this clear and precise language helps support and explain the author's point (just as Goodman’s language supports his point in the text!).

Effective Analysis and Organization

The writer's clarity extends to her logic as well. Sufficient background is given to make it clear the writer read and understood the text. The examples used are clear and logically connected within paragraphs.

The writer also makes sure to identify the what/why/what of the author's argumentative devices:

• What are the techniques the author used to persuade the reader of his claim?
• Why did the author use them?
• What effect does their use have on the reader?

The organization of the essay follows the organization set out in the introduction: the writer first discusses facts and evidence, then the presentation and refutation of a counterargument, then compelling language. Organization in the essay is aided by transitions between all paragraphs, which create a smooth, consistent argument that is easy to follow.

Consistency Throughout

The clarity of the argument and the lack of errors remain consistent from start to finish. The highlighted errors are few and do not detract or distract from the meaning of the essay. The wording of the thesis statement in the introduction and the conclusion is similar but not identical, and the description of how Goodman builds his argument is the same.

The author uses a variety of words (marked in blue) and sentence structures to convey similar ideas in different ways throughout the essay. For instance, social media , man-on-the-ground (or man-on-the-spot ) reporting , citizen journalism , and amateur reporting are all different words and phrases used to describe the same phenomenon of non-professional foreign news correspondents.

In paragraph 4, there's also a good example of a skillfully executed variation in sentence structure. “Knowing that Goodman takes the power of social media seriously will make the reader more inclined…” could easily be the simpler “Goodman takes the power of social media seriously, which makes the reader more likely to agree…” This kind of linguistic "flourish" can be found in most top-scoring SAT Essays.

Note that all of the varied usage described above is effective as well as varied. SAT vocab words and differening sentence structures aren't thrown into the essay haphazardly—it's clear, effective writing like what you might read in the New York Times.

Detailed Support and Length

The essay is long enough to detail three complex examples (discussing Goodman’s use of facts and evidence, a counterargument, and vivid language) and include introductory and concluding paragraphs.

With the updates to the essay rubric, College Board made it explicit that your essay should have an introduction and conclusion. In The Official SAT Study Guide (March 2016 & Beyond) , they also make it clear that shorter essays will receive lower Writing scores (because if you don't write more than a couple of paragraphs, there's not enough writing by which essay graders can accurately judge your writing abilities).

But length means nothing if there isn't valuable information filling the space, so long SAT essays also need to be detailed—this author uses the space to give lots of context for her examples.

Dos and Don’ts for an 8/8/8 SAT Essay

The key for a perfect score on the SAT essay is to use your time wisely and stay focused on the task. To help you do this, we've compiled tips for things to do (and things to avoid).

Do spend time:

• Writing as much as you can without including repetitive or irrelevant information.
• Revising the first and last paragraphs (they stand out in readers’ minds).
• Making sure you have effective transitions for a seamless essay.
• Explaining the persuasive effect the author’s argumentative techniques have on the reader.

Don't spend time:

• Thinking of “smart-sounding" evidence —analysis of how the author used a personal anecdote is just as viable as a discussion of the author’s use of logos and other rhetorical strategies.
• Trying to correct every single error —the grammar and the spelling do not have to be perfect to score an 8 in Writing. This doesn't mean that you should just leave sentence fragments all over the place, but it does mean that accidentally leaving off the last letter of a word or making a small subject/verb agreement error won't be the end of the world (or of your perfect SAT essay score). Spend the extra time trying to write more and develop your points.
• Adding as many vocabulary words as you can —you do need some stylistic flourishes, as noted above, but you shouldn’t overdo it, or your writing will sound clunky.

How to Train to Improve Your SAT Essay Score

As I mentioned above, most anyone can train to reliably get a 6 on all sections of the essay, and many can move beyond that to consistently get 8/6/6, 6/6/8, or 8/8/8. Here’s a framework for how to do this:

• Read through our complete list of SAT essay prompts .
• Memorize a list of persuasive techniques that you can find in most essay prompt articles.
• Start by practicing with extended time (80 minutes) so you can feel what it takes to get a top-scoring essay. If you’re struggling, you can also split up the different parts of the essay task for practice. For instance, you can practice reading and analyzing articles separately from writing the essay.
• Find a way to grade your essay . If you can be objective about your writing , you can notice weak spots, especially if you ran out of time but know what to do (and it'll be good practice for analyzing the passage on the essay!). Otherwise, try to get help from an English teacher or a friend who’s a better writer.
• Start narrowing your essay time down to 50 minutes to mirror the actual test.

What’s Next?

Ready to get started with practice essays? Check out our thorough analysis of the SAT essay prompt and our complete list of prompts to practice with .

Use our 15 tips to improve your SAT essay score .

Follow along as I take you through how to write a top-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

Took the old SAT essay and want to know what's changed? Read our complete guide to the March 2016 SAT essay here .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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